by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 4

By all outward appearances, life at the Duke farm seemed to be progressing nicely after that fateful day in April. It had been nearly a month and a half since Jesse had his episode. Bo and Luke had taken on all of the responsibilities of the farm and were handling things quite well. Even Boss Hogg and the local law seemed to have called a truce with them during Jesse’s recovery to allow them the freedom to do their work in peace. Friends and family from all over had visited Jesse during the past couple weeks; making the farm a busier place than usual. The corn had been planted and was growing nicely; promising a good harvest. The farmhouse was kept in good repair and the animals were thriving. Daisy and the boys helped Jesse regain his strength and now the senior Duke was getting around the farm with only occasional help. He was still a little weak, at times, but he was able to perform as many light chores as the kids would let him! The lingering effects of Jesse’s stroke, however, were more troubling.

Jesse’s temper was very short and he even seemed to have some personality changes. He treated Luke and Daisy pretty well and rarely lost his temper with them…Bo, however, was a different story. In the past, Jesse had treated his energetic and over-emotional youngest nephew with endless patience and only lost his temper with him for serious breeches of the house rules. Now, Bo caught the brunt of Jesse’s frustrations over his health. Nothing the young man did suited Jesse. It became routine for Bo to get chewed out two or three times a day; most of the time for no apparent reason. Jesse’s usual behavior toward Bo had changed as if from daylight to dark! For example: Every year, Jesse had celebrated all the kids’ birthdays with their favorite meals, a large cake, and words of affection. This year, Bo’s 25th birthday came and went without Jesse even acknowledging it other than saying, “…just because it’s your birthday don’t mean you can slack off on your chores” without looking up from the morning newspaper. Daisy and Luke wanted to help Bo; but, they feared coming under Jesse’s wrath, as well…and…they really didn’t know what they could do to make things better.

The constant arguments and the tense atmosphere at home were taking a toll on Bo. He had become abnormally quiet and seemed to be falling into a deep depression. Bo felt that even if he did talk about what was worrying him it still wouldn’t change things…so why bother. The cheerful light that usually glowed in his dark-blue eyes had all but disappeared. He had grown to dread being in the same room with his uncle…he hated to hear Jesse yell at him and he hated feeling so hurt afterwards…and he felt ashamed of himself for thinking that way. He didn’t know what he was going to do…how much more could he take? When would Jesse return to normal? When would his life return to normal?

Besides his problems with Jesse, Bo absolutely could not get that little nurse from Tri-County off his mind! He wanted to go talk to her, but with all that was going on, he didn’t think it would be a good time to get involved. He kept these thoughts to himself as well because he was afraid Luke would make fun of him for his insecurities about approaching Meghan. Little did Bo realize that he was not the only man in the Duke house who was thinking about Meghan Riley.

The late-spring sun shone brightly over the pasture as the eldest Duke cousin ferociously hammered nails into the section of fence he was repairing. Luke’s worry at everything that was going on at the farm manifested itself in carefully disguised anger. He noticed that he and his cousins dealt with the recent changes differently. Bo became withdrawn…Daisy went to work and stayed busy to get her mind off things…and he got angry. He was angry at Jesse, at Bo, and at himself for being unable to do anything. As a result of this anger, he had been quicker than usual to come back at Bo with sarcastic or insulting comments; unwittingly adding to Bo’s emotional turmoil…he didn’t mean to hurt his cousin, he just didn’t realize he was doing it sometimes. He wanted the old Bo and the old Jesse back! He wanted his family back! He wanted his best friend back! This was worse than if Bo had actually left the farm! Luke’s light-blue eyes scanned the fence line and watched as Bo carried pieces of lumber to another area that needed repair; the blond man’s eyes were downcast, his face set into an emotionless mask…the way he had been for most of the last month. Bo was there, physically, but he seemed to be so withdrawn…almost a shadow of his former self. Luke had tried to interest his cousin in racing, going to the Boar’s Nest, talking about girls, going to Cooter’s, working on the General…anything…but Bo seemed not to care about the things that had interested him before. He felt sorry for Bo’s situation with Jesse…he really did…but he was angry at Bo for abandoning him and their friendship!

Luke found he really missed talking with his cousin. In the past, he had often wanted Bo to shut-up, but now he missed the constant chatter. He was used to Bo telling him every single little thing, asking his advice, coming to him to solve problems, and just being there to listen when he decided to open up to someone. He wanted to tell Bo about the girl he had been talking to and was planning to see regularly. He wanted to talk to Bo about Jesse. He wanted Bo to open up to him like he used to. But, since Jesse had started treating Bo differently, Bo didn’t seem to want to talk at all…and Luke felt awkward trying to talk to someone who didn’t want to talk back.

There was something else bothering Bo besides Jesse…he just knew it…and for the life of him, Luke had no idea what it could be.

Luke also worried about Bo’s asthma. Bo had been wheezing in his sleep for the past couple of nights and he often woke up coughing. Bo denied any problems but Luke knew better. He knew that Bo had not been to see Doc. Appleby like he was supposed to after the attack in April. He also knew he should have reminded Bo, but…Bo was a grown man and he was perfectly able to take care of himself…

The dark-haired man continued to pound nails into the fence, viciously, as his mind raced, trying to vent some of his feelings. Bo had returned to the section of fence Luke was working on and tiredly leaned against the gate as he raised the bottom of his shirt to wipe sweat from his face. Luke noticed his cousin just standing there, doing nothing while he worked. The older man suddenly, and inexplicably, felt his anger rise.

“Damn it, Bo…quit your moping around and get back to work or we’ll never get finished,” he yelled and threw his hammer to the ground.

Bo just looked at his cousin. Luke saw the younger man’s eyes flash and his body tense with anger of his own before being replaced with an intense look of sadness. The tall blond then quietly turned and walked away from Luke, into the thick woods that surrounded the Duke property; ignoring the words of apology that followed him.

Luke wanted to kick himself. ‘Why did I do that?’ he thought, ‘He’ll really want to tell you what’s bothering him now!’ He ran a hand through his hair and sighed as he fought with himself over what to do next. He decided to give Bo some time to himself. Maybe then, his cousin would be ready to talk, or at least be ready to accept his apology.

He hoped Bo would soon be ready to talk to him again. Luke really wanted to be able to tell Bo about his upcoming date with Meghan …but, something kept holding him back. He would tell him, eventually, maybe even tonight…but, with the way Bo was acting, he probably wouldn’t care.

Bo Duke walked along the edge of the woods that skirted the Duke property. He savagely wiped away the hot tears that were coursing down his cheeks. ‘Damn it! Why do I have to act like a cry-baby all the time? I’m a grown man…I’m too old for this mess! Why can’t I be more like Luke? He’s a rock…he acts like nothing ever bothers him.’ Bo had always been easily provoked to tears and, as a result, had endured many years of teasing. He was deeply ashamed that all of his emotions ran so close to the surface and he felt that if Luke or Jesse found out he had been crying…well…it would just be one more reason to ridicule him. Bo soon returned to the farm and busied himself with chores. He became lost in his thoughts, which seemed to be his normal state lately.

As he mucked out Maudine’s stall, Bo thought about the events of the past month. Luke was right…he was moping around. He felt alienated from his family and felt so lost. He was also lovesick! For some inexplicable reason, Meghan Riley’s soft green eyes and gentle voice haunted his dreams and even his waking hours! He was smitten…even though he hadn’t even seen the adorable nurse since that day in the hospital. He didn’t understand how it could be possible, but he just knew…Meghan was the one! The only problem was he was afraid to talk to her! ‘She’d probably just laugh at me if I tried to ask her out.’ he said to himself, dejectedly. ‘She’s got a good job and she must be pretty sharp in order to get a nursing degree. Hell…she hangs around with doctors all day long! What could a part-time farmer, part-time racecar driver and full-time goofball like me offer Meghan?’ he despaired; his mind racing.

After a couple of hours of mulling things over while he worked, Bo vowed that he would track Meghan down and ask her out just as soon as the other things in his life settled down. ‘Lord knows she sure wouldn’t want to get mixed up with me, now, while everything’s so crazy,’ he laughed to himself; his mood lightening a little since he had finally made his decision to talk to the young woman who occupied his mind.

Bo was still working when Luke got back from finishing the fence. The older Duke boy slowly walked into the barn. He took a deep breath. “Hey Bo.” he said quietly as he watched Bo pitch hay into a stall. The younger man turned to face Luke; his expression said that he was ready for a confrontation if necessary. The cousins looked at each other for a long while. Both were unsure what to say about the incident in the pasture.

Luke stuffed his hands in his back pockets, looked at a patch of ground near his feet, and started to apologize, “Bo, I’m s…”

Bo could see his cousin’s discomfort and sincerity. “Forget it. We’re all a little short-tempered around here lately.” said Bo as he laid aside the hayfork and held out his hand.

Luke smiled and shook his cousin’s hand. “Friends?” Luke asked.

“Yeah…after all, I’m the only person around who could put up with you,” Bo said with a little smile crossing his face as he lightly punched Luke in the arm. His cousin made a face and slapped him on the back.

Cordial relations restored, the two men finished up the evening chores and then headed into the house for supper.

Daisy had outdone herself! She had worked in the kitchen most of the afternoon and had prepared a great meal for her guys. The men ate till they were stuffed and then the family sat around the table talking. It almost seemed like old times. Even Jesse seemed to be in a good mood. He laughed at some of the things Luke and Daisy said and he relayed some news he had heard when he and Daisy had gone into town that morning. Bo was still rather quiet, but he, too, joined in the conversation; talking with Luke about an upcoming race. He really enjoyed hearing his uncle’s laughter again and hoped it wouldn’t be too long till Jesse was back to his old self.

After a lull in the conversation, Daisy decided it was time for dessert and she began to dish out peach cobbler. Both Bo and Luke were leaned back in their chairs; Bo had his eyes shut and looked almost asleep while Luke had his hands behind his head and wore a sly grin.

Jesse noticed the grin and asked, as he stroked his beard, “Luke, why on earth are you grinning like a possum?”

Luke lowered all four legs of his chair to the ground and placed his elbows on the table. “Well,” he drawled, “I’m just thinking about my date for Friday night.” He laughed at Bo’s reaction.

Bo’s eyes had opened wide and he grinned at Luke as he said, “Well, cousin, don’t keep us in suspense…who is the poor girl?”

Luke smiled at this typical behavior from his wise-cracking young cousin.
“If you just gotta know, cuz, the lucky lady is Meghan Riley…you know, that cute little nurse we met at Tri-County when Uncle Jesse…was… in… the… hospital.” Luke’s teasing voice trailed off in confusion as he took in Bo’s reaction to his statement.

Bo had jerked at the mention of Meghan’s name. His chair overturned and landed with a crash. He just sat in the floor with a stricken look on his face. He didn’t even hear anything else Luke was saying. His mind screamed: “NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Not MY Meghan…and not Luke…anyone but Luke!” Bo wouldn’t have had a second thought about trying to steal his girl away from some other guy but he couldn’t do that to his best friend and brother.
Meghan was lost to him now…he’d missed his chance!

Daisy just looked at Bo, with a touch of pity in her gentle eyes. She had a feeling she knew why her baby cousin looked so upset, but she didn’t want to bring it up in front of the others.

Luke jumped up to help his cousin; he was worried that Bo had hurt himself. He looked as if he had been gut-punched!

Bo brushed Luke’s hands away as he righted the chair and sat down hard.
He looked at Luke, eyes wide and serious, and asked, “When, Luke…how long…? I mean…I didn’t even know you liked her. When did you ask her?”

“Last week, Bo. I’ve been talking with her for the past couple of weeks…but, since we haven’t been talking as much lately…I guess I just didn’t get around to telling you.” Luke noticed the brief pained look that shone in Bo’s eyes and he wondered what it was for. He narrowed his eyes, bristled slightly and asked, “Why, cousin? Is there a problem or something?”

“No…nothing. It’s…” Bo started to say before Jesse cut him off.

“It’s none of your business, is what it is, Beauregard Duke. Luke can date who he wants to and when without you having to know about it in advance. Now you apologize for your childish behavior tonight.” Jesse said quietly as he looked at Bo with hardened, narrowed eyes. The good mood of the evening had definitely ended.

Luke interjected, trying to stall the upcoming argument, “Uncle Jesse…it’s OK. I don’t mind.”

“Stop taking up for him, Lukas! He needs to learn how to act like a grown man! He’s been sulking around here for the last few weeks like a baby. I swear…that boy has been acting more of a fool than usual and I’ve just about had enough! I’m about ready to take a switch to him…and you too, if need be. Is that what you want?” Jesse growled as he stood up to face his eldest nephew.

Luke backed off and let his uncle have his space. “No, sir” he mumbled.

Bo had come to his breaking point. They were talking about him like he wasn’t even there! He pushed himself up from his chair and glared at his uncle. “Now Uncle Jesse, wait just a…” Bo began; his voice growing louder with barely suppressed emotion.

“Boy, don’t you talk back to me! Hush up and sit down…I’m not through with you yet.” Jesse warned ominously as he pointed his finger at Bo.

“But, I…”

“I said HUSH…” a loud “Crack” resounded through the kitchen as the back of Jesse’s right hand connected with the side of Bo’s face! Bo’s head jerked back, his blond hair falling across his eyes.

The silence that filled the farmhouse kitchen was deafening.

Luke and Daisy stood in wide-eyed shock; holding their breath. Neither of them had expected anything like that! They watched the confrontation between their cousin and uncle with concern.

Bo raised his head slowly, tears in his eyes. He couldn’t believe it! His uncle had never struck him like that before. Now of course, Jesse had blistered his hard-headed nephew’s butt–many times–when the boy needed discipline…but he had always controlled his temper and never touched him in anger. This blow hurt Bo, emotionally, more than any whipping he had ever gotten…it tore at his heart that his loving, patient uncle had turned into this cold stranger! The young man locked eyes with the angry white-haired man before him; his body trembled in a volatile combination of rage, pain, fear, and sadness.

Jesse saw the distress in his nephew’s eyes and the livid red mark on his cheek. The unreasonable anger he had been filled with began to melt away and was quickly replaced by shame and guilt. “Bo, son…I’m so sorry…” the old man said as he reached out toward his nephew with a shaky hand.

Luke saw that Bo was breathing hard and that his cousin’s jaw was clenched tightly, the muscles in his face twitched. Bo was so upset and tense that his body appeared to vibrate! Luke noticed the signs that signaled an explosion of Bo’s formidable temper. His cousin was either going to punch someone or run. “Bo, wait…” he hollered just as his cousin bolted from the kitchen. The slamming of the screen door reverberated through the silent room as the three remaining Dukes looked at each other. Daisy finally gave in to her frustrations and cried; upset over what had become of her family. Luke comforted her as he watched Jesse deal with the events of the last few minutes. His own feelings of pain and worry tried to come to the surface, but he stamped them down. He had to be strong for the others.

Luke let go of Daisy, after she had settled down, and walked over to kneel in front of his uncle’s chair. “He’ll be back, Uncle Jesse. Bo always comes back. He just needs to sort things out.” he said, in an attempt to comfort his uncle.

“I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t. I’ve treated him so awful…I realize that now. Luke…go after him, please. You can get Bo to come home. Tell him…tell him that I need to talk to him.” Jesse asked quietly, his voice shaking, a single tear tracking down his weathered face. The old man had seemed to age 10 years since the banging of the screen door.

Luke nodded; the sight of his uncle looking so lost had left him unable to speak. He gently embraced his uncle, rose to his feet, and headed out into the humid Georgia night to track down his run-away cousin.